New D-20 Finish problem?

[johnjohn808]

Aloha everyone!
I got a new D-20 a couple of weeks ago, and I love how it sounds!
But I just noticed that if I run my hand over the top and sides, there seems to what feels like grains of sand here and there got lacquered over or something.

Cant really see them until I shine a light on the body, then all of the little grains reflect the light. They look like little gouges in the pics but they are not.

Is that normal on these types of guitar?

I contacted Guild about it but I don`t know how long it normally takes for them to reply.

I`m about half way through the return period, and I would love have one that isn`t as flawed. But I bought the last one and the store wont have anymore until mid march. They offered me $100 off.
Should I take it?

 

[adorshki]

Aloha everyone!
I got a new D-20 a couple of weeks ago, and I love how it sounds!
But I just noticed that if I run my hand over the top and sides, there seems to what feels like grains of sand here and there got lacquered over or something.

Cant really see them until I shine a light on the body, then all of the little grains reflect the light. They look like little gouges in the pics but they are not.

Is that normal on these types of guitar?

I contacted Guild about it but I don`t know how long it normally takes for them to reply.

I`m about half way through the return period, and I would love have one that isn`t as flawed. But I bought the last one and the store wont have anymore until mid march. They offered me $100 off.
Should I take it?

Hi John, welcome aboard! I think that's a legitimate warranty claim and Guild would step up, but you'd have the same wait either way.
Also just realized that in Hawaii their warranty procedure may be little more complicated than here on the continent, but it'll be spelled out on their website.

Also, the most recent comments I've seen about Guild is that they're fairly responsive, less than a week.

If you've bonded with it, I'd want more for the finish flaws, but hang in there for a couple days at least, and more advice from here.

Conversely reports have been that they all sound pretty good so I suspect you'd be OK with a replacement. (It might be cheaper for 'em than doing a finish repair).

 

[GGJaguar]

That's a shame. I hope Guild makes it right for you!

 

[chazmo]

johnjohn, did you buy it online or at a store? If you got it at a store, you should bring it back to them and let them drive the process for you.

Honestly, I'm not sure if I'm seeing what I think I'm seeing in the pictures (looks like white specks on the finish), but if you can actually feel imperfections then I agree this will be a warrantee claim they'll honor.

Good luck. The most recent experiences we've heard about warrantee service from Guild have not been exemplary, so be patient. At least for a while.

 

[geoguy]

Sorry to hear of your troubles. Sounds like there was some dust on the guitar when it was sprayed.

Was the guitar purchased from an authorized Guild dealer? If so, then it is a warranty claim. You (or the dealer) may first have to register the guitar with Guild, if that hasn't already been done.

Guild's website states that their warranty policies are re: instruments purchased in the US, not the "continental US", so their warranty should cover your guitar in Hawaii.

If it was purchased from a seller who is NOT an authorized Guild dealer, then my suggestion would be to either get a partial refund from the seller (if that is acceptable to you), or return it for a refund.

 

[davismanLV]

I'm sort of wondering if this could be some type of compound used to buff or level the finish. That doesn't excuse them letting the guitar leave the factory that way. If I bought a new guitar and it had that stuff or those bumps, I'd want it replaced. OR if I could live with it, I'd take some cash back, but depending on how much you paid, I'd want more than $100 back. So let us know what happens and what response you get. Okay?

 

[davismanLV]

I know you shouldn't mess with it yourself for a factory replacement, but have you taken a fingernail or something and just nudged it to see if it comes off? Just curious. It looks like some of whatever it is has gotten down in the wood grain, but random pieces sticking up. I'd pick a big one and see if I could carefully dislodge it. Just don't get too aggressive.

 

[johnjohn808]

Thanks for your replies and suggestions folks!
I bought it online from Zzounds and I have a little over two weeks for return period. I`m just waiting to hear back from Guild before figuring out that the heck im going to do. I have a feeling that I`ll be told to take it up with zzounds though.
I just wish that they had one in stock as a replacement. But who knows, that one could be messed up too.

Maybe they will let me reserve one for exchange when the next batch arrives in mid march. In the meantime, Im having fun playing a F2512E which I bought a few days later. Beats my cheap old Epi 12 which sounds like im playing through a 1970`s walkie talkie.

@davismanLV: Ya know, I thought about that but I chickened out thinking that it may ruin my warranty. LOL
But if I decide to keep it, I know I wont be able to resist giving at least one of them a little nudge with the old fingernail

Thanks again everyone!

 

[RBpicker]

My D20 had the same issue…just on the sides, however. I think it is overspray from when they sprayed the burst…a little dry spray. Mine sounds and plays so good that I just took some 0000 steel wool and smoothed out the finish. It isn’t perfect, but I love the guitar so much that I don’t care.
if you get a replacement, it is likely to have the same issue.

rb

 

[adorshki]

Thanks for your replies and suggestions folks!
I bought it online from Zzounds and I have a little over two weeks for return period. I`m just waiting to hear back from Guild before figuring out that the heck im going to do. I have a feeling that I`ll be told to take it up with zzounds though.

The warranty says to start the process with the seller, but are they an authorized dealer? If so I don't think you'll have a problem. If not, yeah, plan on taking advantage of ZZounds' exchange policy. If they're authorized I'd expect 'em to be ok with reserving an incoming piece.
Who knows, Guild might even help 'em locate one.

@davismanLV: Ya know, I thought about that but I chickened out thinking that it may ruin my warranty. LOL

Smart move. Yes, it'd void the warranty.

But if I decide to keep it, I know I wont be able to resist giving at least one of them a little nudge with the old fingernail

Thanks again everyone!

I'd start with a small one to see if the finish comes up with it. That way it'll just be a small ding..